Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson was the 18th president of Clark College from 1965 until his death in 1976. A native of Bristol, Tennessee, Henderson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from North Carolina College in Durham in 1947. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Economics from the University of Iowa in 1949 and 1952, respectively. The Vivian Wilson Henderson Papers document Dr. Henderson's personal and professional activities spanning the years 1940 to 1976. The photographs in the collection date primarily from the 1960s and document Henderson's activities at Clark College as well as his family life. Photographs of Dr. Henderson's wife, Anna, and children are included.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
Jun 24, 2019

Vivian Henderson Papers

Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson was the 18th president of Clark College from 1965 until his death in 1976. A native of Bristol, Tennessee, Henderson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from North Carolina College in Durham in 1947. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Economics from the University of Iowa in 1949 and 1952, respectively. The Vivian Wilson Henderson Papers document Dr. Henderson's personal and professional activities spanning the years 1940 to 1976. The photographs in the collection date primarily from the 1960s and document Henderson's activities at Clark College as well as his family life. Photographs of Dr. Henderson's wife, Anna, and children are included.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu

Dr. Vivian Henderson and his wife Anna Henderson speaking with an unidentified woman.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains a speech delivered at a convocation ceremony at DePaul University by Dr. Vivian Henderson. He discusses the importance of equality of access rather than equality of opportunity and the unrealistic expectations of African Americans relating to the availability of housing, education, and employment. He discusses the responses white people have used in regards to the slogan Black Power! Dr. Henderson also urges that people adopt the ideal that the nation should have a racially integrated society, and he also shares his opinions about civil rights activist and Pan-Africanist, Stokely Carmichael (later known as Kwame Ture).
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains speeches delivered at a conference focused on the understanding of and the solutions to the issue of poverty. Dr. Vivian Henderson begins by introducing and discussing the purpose of the conference. The conference is focused on addressing the problems of Southern economic development, primarily human resource problems and adjustment. Mr. Leon Kaiserling discusses the necessary dimensions for change and economic progress. Lyle Carter then discusses new improvements that need to be made in the economic American system in order to achieve progress as a nation. Mrs. Camille Jefferson outlines the findings of a study she conducted on poverty in a District of Columbia housing project. She also shares some of the pre- and post-experiences of her study, in which she moved to the project for 15 months. Mr. Homer Cooper declares the necessity of mobilizing the research tools that are available to aid in the war on poverty. Dr. George Wiley delineates the steps needed to be taken in order to truly eradicate poverty. Dr. Houseman argues for the reduction of welfare tax rates to get more people into the labor market and to continue supporting them once they are working.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson with unidentified men serving on a consultation committee at the United States Department of Labor.
Dr. Vivian Henderson and a group of unidentified men at a Clark College Commencement Ceremony.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Portrait of Kimberly Anne Henderson, daughter of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers
In this undated audio recording, an unidentified representative of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, addresses a group of unidentified people on the topic of the Fisk University Honors Program. The speaker mentions that Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson was on the committee that set the program up. He argues that the Honors Program needs to be particularly thoughtful about the choice of director, but that it is even more important to have a strong committee so that the program does not become a one man operation. The speaker also insists that it is better to separate the honors students from other students at the university.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This undated audio recording captures a meeting of unidentified men, perhaps including Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, serving on an unidentified committee. The discussion focuses on the role of Institutional Services versus the role of Administration in relation to the pursuit of funding opportunities from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and other funding organizations.
An unidentified man speaking at a Clark College Commencement Ceremony.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains two parts. The first part consists of Henderson speaking about the restructuring of the ghetto. He believes the ghetto is not an economically viable structure in our society. He also thinks the solution to this problem is to desegregate the ghetto. The second part of the audio contains a recording of a radio show, titled What Must Be Done, led by Percy Sutten. Dr. Vivian Henderson, Mr. Robert Theofold, and Dr. Robert Netser address what can and must be done by the listener in order to solve the issues of the ghetto and the Black community.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Portrait of Wyonella Marie Henderson, daughter of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson and Anna Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers
In this audio recording, Joann Ross speaks on the difficulties of being black in the education system. Ross discusses the problem of the Black Syndrome, the assumption that black children are not as high of achievers as the rest of the children in the education system. She urges teachers to evaluate themselves each year to determine if they are effective in reaching all students. Ross closes by discussing innovative educational practices among college and university campuses.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson presenting a graduate with his degree at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Graduation Portrait of Karen Henderson, relative of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson presenting a graduate with her degree at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Man speaking at Clark College commencement.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording consists of five different speakers from various fields speaking on ideas to improve the welfare system in order to better help the poor. The first speaker is Ed Sparrow. Sparrow speaks on the legal rights of the poor. He discusses how the welfare department holds all the power when it comes to the life and death of the poor because their lives depend on the amount of welfare assistance they receive. The second speaker is Dr. Green who discusses the idea of adopting a negative income tax. He explains how it would work as well as who would be eligible. The third speaker is Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, 18th president of Clark College. Dr. Henderson discusses the unbalanced occupational structure of the Negro labor force and argues that income maintenance programs such as the negative income tax will not actually solve the problems with welfare. The next speaker, John Fields, discusses inter-government relationships and how they affect the solution process of welfare needs. He urges the different government officials to work together to solve problems. The last speaker is the Honorable Charles L. Weltner, former US congressman. Weltner argues that minimum wage puts people out of work. He begs institutions and agencies to work harder to create a better means of teaching skills today for the tasks of tomorrow. The recording ends with a question and answer session with the speakers and members of the audience.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Group portrait of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson with two former Clark College Presidents: Dr. Matthew Davage and Dr. James P. Brawley.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, seated with Herman Long, president of Talladega College, and an unidentified man.
E.L. Simon speaking at an event.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson presenting a graduate with her degree at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
In this undated audio recording, an unidentified speaker discusses the question of economic development in ghettos. He argues that the ghetto problem is the main pressing problem of cities everywhere. He also explores obstacles and opportunities for investing in these communities.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson presenting a graduate with his degree at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Portrait of Kimberly Anne Henderson, daughter of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson presenting an award to an unidentified recipient.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Vivian Wilson Henderson, at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains a series known as What Must be Done. The series contains a panel and covers issues of the ghetto and the black community. This particular session deals with how to obtain the funding to solve the problems of the nearby urban areas. The panel discusses the widening of gap between the haves and the have-nots as well as how economics has become a branch of politics.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Vivian Wilson Henderson, at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Henderson and an unidentified man at a Clark College Commencement Ceremony.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This undated audio recording consists of several songs composed by Arthur Richmond. The collection, titled Mother Freedom, was intended as a demo tape.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Group portrait of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, with other notable men such as Hugh Gloster and Benjamin Mays, former Morehouse presidents, Clarence Coleman, director of the National Urban League, and Edward Simon.
Group portrait of the Henderson family.  Appearing (left to right) are Anna Henderson, Dwight Cedric Henderson, Wyonella Marie Henderson, David Wayne Henderson, Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, and Kimberly Anne Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Wyonella Marie Henderson, daughter of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson and Anna Henderson, sits in a highchair.
Vivian Henderson Papers
A hut on the water, part of the Adventureland section of the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California.
Vivian Henderson Papers
The Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California.
Vivian Henderson Papers
View of a baseball game.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Unidentified children on stage during a play or theatrical program.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Unidentified children holding baskets on the front steps of an unidentified building.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Unidentified women and children.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Unidentified children on a beach.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, with unidentified students.
A man, possibly surnamed Brantley, speaking at an unidentified event.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, with two men, one identified as the Vice President of Development.
People socialize at Clark College Freshmen Orientation.
David Wayne Henderson (center child) and unidentified people on a boat, possibly the ferry to the Statue of Liberty in New York, New York.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson speaking at an unidentified event.
Anna Henderson watches her children play.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr.Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, with unidentified students engaged in discussion.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson speaking at an unidentified event.
Portrait of Kimberly Anne Henderson, daughter of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers